Running and taking a break

“Have you done any races lately?” is a question I have been asked numerous times recently. People are so use to me racing, so they are asking me that question when they are in the office. However, my answer is no, which is so unusual for me. In 2015, I raced 13 times, including three half Ironman races (plus three additional half marathons). I raced less in 2016 and even less in 2017. This year, I decided to take more of a physical and emotional break from racing, so have really dialed it back a bit.

I did the Ragnar Relay in March, but it was a team race and while we worked hard (running 200 miles from Chattanooga to Nashville), it was more of a fun adventure. Next week I am doing the Peachtree Road Race, but that’s a tough one to call a race … it’s also like an adventure with 60,000 other people. And the only other one I have on my schedule is a two-day race in Utah in October (which will not be easy!). No triathlons for me this summer.

I decided to take the year off from triathlons because my body needed some rest and I had lost a bit of motivation. I’ve been doing races for 30+ years and know the only way I can sustain this (and I do love racing), is to back off every now and then. It’s a good physical and emotional break. As I get older, I’m slowing down and it is very frustrating and hard to accept. I keep thinking I can race fast, but when I get out there, I’m just not what I use to be – even though I think I can do it. So that is also part of the emotional break that I’ve needed this year.

I’m trying a new Galloway style of running, which is a combination of run-walk, doing anything from running 5-7 minutes followed by a minute of walking, & repeating that for the entire run. I’ve never been a fan of this kind of running, but lately my body likes that one-minute break. Yes it’s slowing down my average pace, but it’s helping me feel better the next day. I’m not sure how long I’ll do this kind of training, but in this summer heat, so far it’s working for me. Ask me about it next time you are in and I’ll let you know how it’s going.

I’m so glad I get adjusted because I know that is helping me stay injury free as well. Yes the aches and pains happen easier than they did when I was 20, but I know chiropractic care is helping me along. I can’t even imagine not getting adjusted. I’m thankful for that. It helps me feel good. It helps me function better. And chiropractic helps my health.

What about you? Are you training for a race? Are you taking a break? Are you getting adjusted? Whatever it is you are doing, remember that chiropractic care will help you be better. Get adjusted. Stay healthy. Stay happy.

Dr. Pam